National Wear Red Day drives home importance of women’s heart health
You might be surprised to learn that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States.
That’s why awareness matters – and why initiatives like the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day play such an important role. This year’s observance takes place on Friday, Feb. 6. Participants are encouraged to wear red to show support for cardiovascular health and to share information and resources that advance research, education, and prevention.
First launched in 2004, National Wear Red Day remains as relevant as ever. Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, continues to claim more women’s lives than any other health condition – accounting for about one in every three deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association.
Erin McFadden, M.D., is a senior vice president and chief medical officer at The Wright Center for Community Health. Board-certified in internal medicine, she is accepting appointments for adult patients. Dr. McFadden is also a member of the American Heart Association’s Executive Leadership Board for Northeast Pennsylvania.
Nearly half of women ages 20 and older have some form of heart disease. It causes more deaths than all forms of cancer combined, is the leading cause of death among new mothers, and is responsible for more than one-third of maternal deaths nationwide.
Despite these sobering statistics, only 44% of women recognize the seriousness of the threat. That gap in awareness underscores the need for women to better understand their personal risk factors and family history, as well as how life events such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can increase cardiovascular risk. Chronic stress is another significant – and often overlooked – contributor.
The good news is that education and practical lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce risk. Healthy eating, regular physical activity, stress management, and blood pressure control can make a meaningful difference. At The Wright Center for Community Health, we are deeply committed to helping women protect their long-term heart health through comprehensive primary care, women’s health services, and specialized programs like Lifestyle Medicine.
Our Lifestyle Medicine team partners with patients and families to improve health and quality of life through evidence-based lifestyle changes. These include stress-reduction techniques, tobacco cessation, improved nutrition, increased physical activity, stronger social connections, and healthier sleep habits. Trained in both conventional and lifestyle medicine, our providers work with patients to create personalized, sustainable self-care plans designed for long-term success.
In addition, our Nutrition Services team helps patients achieve the right balance of nutrients to support heart health. Our licensed dietitians and nutritionists develop individualized nutrition plans to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
For patients whose cardiovascular risk is closely tied to weight, The Wright Center for Community Health also offers non-surgical approaches to obesity care. Obesity affects millions of Americans and increases the risk for numerous chronic conditions, including heart disease and stroke.
I wholeheartedly support the mission of National Wear Red Day and hope this year’s observance inspires more women to take their heart health seriously. So, pull out your best red outfit, start the conversation, and help save lives. Follow our socials to see how The Wright Center does its part in raising awareness in our communities.
